When an Iowa coach, teacher or administrator is thought to be in violation of ethical standards, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners investigates and when appropriate imposes sanctions to their license.
Mackenzie Ryan / The Register

An eastern Iowa track and cross country coach's license was suspended for having an "inappropriate" relationship with a student.

Casey L. Robertson allegedly solicited, encouraged or consummated "a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student," according to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, which oversees school licenses.

Robertson worked as Winfield-Mount Union's girls track coach, and boys and girls cross country coach from the fall 2014 through March 2018, Superintendent Jeff Maeder said.

Robertson's license was suspended for six months, and he must complete an "ethics for educators" course to be reinstated. The state agency's licensing sanctions can range from a written reprimand to suspension to permanent revocation.

Robertson could not be reached for comment.

Winfield-Mount Union was contacted by law enforcement about an investigation being conducted last spring, Superintendent Jeff Maeder said.

Robertson was placed on paid administrative leave from March 19-22; he resigned March 23, Maeder said.

No criminal charges were filed, according to court records. Henry County Attorney Darin Stater said they did not have sufficient evidence to pursue a criminal charge.

"He happened to be a teacher, but the alleged victim was not one of his students," Stater said. "We reviewed the reports, we spoke to the alleged victim’s father, and we deemed the evidence to be insufficient."

During his time at Winfield-Mount Union, he also worked with at-risk teens as a high school associate. He last earned $16,980 annual salary, the district said.

Winfield-Mount Union serves about 400 students in grades K-12 and is located about 50 miles south of Iowa City.